Greyhounds race past Bulldogs

The Ionia boys basketball team struggled Tuesday night in its first home game of the new year, falling to Eaton Rapids by a score of 62-47.

Bulldog coach Mark DeLap said that despite dropping six of their first seven games, his players are still playing hard and not showing signs of quitting.

"This team is still gelling and still trying to figure things out," he said. "They get used to practicing with a certain five guys and we had some people out. I don't know if that would have made a difference tonight, but I am proud of the guys for playing through that.

"We're building for the future. We still have some work to do on defense, but these kids never quit, and I believe in this team, this program and what we are trying to build here."

Ionia jumped out to an early 13-8 lead in the first quarter, but the Greyhounds took charge with a 14-0 run, holding the Bulldogs scoreless for almost six minutes of the second to build a 22-15 lead. At the half Eaton Rapids (2-6) held a 27-17 advantage.

The visitors added to their lead in the third, outscoring Ionia 22-11, scoring many baskets in transition.

"That's kind of our philosophy, to get up and down the court," Greyhound coach Luke Brown said. "When we have the opportunity, we want to get out and run and we were able to get some easy baskets tonight. Our point guard (Jared McDaniel) did a nice job of looking ahead, moving the ball and limiting turnovers."

Austin Gregory led Ionia with a game-high 16 points while Austin Wolcott finished with 10. Bryce Cashner chipped in with nine.